2nd Annual Magnolia's Burlington Benefit Concert, Thursday, Feb. 28th, 8 p.m.

Please join us on Thursday, February 28th, 8 p.m. at Magnolia Cafe and Bistro in Burlington, Vermont for our second annual benefit concert and fundraiser for Batey Libertad [map & directions]. This year's fundraiser is being organized by the March '08 University of Vermont service-learning class to the Dominican Republic, and will feature the music of UVM's very own McKew Devitt and the Hit Paws ... yes, the professor leading the trip!

The March class is raising money to build this family a home at Batey Libertad. UVM service-learning classes have been working with the community of Batey Libertad since January 2005 on infrastructure needs, including other family house projects as well as building a community center, health clinic, and literacy center. Home building extends the work of Education Across Borders, an NGO that has been helping with house projects for a number of years, as well as sponsoring local students to finish high school and attend college. The March '08 class will be working with EAB students to formalize a language and computer literacy program at Batey Libertad geared toward school-age and adult learners alike. The students will also be rolling up their sleeves and continuing the work of the January '08 class on a new community farm.

A little bit of fundraising can go along way. Below are some before and after pictures from the March '07 house project completed with Batey Libertad and UVM students. Please turn up at Magnolia's for some music, food, and good company and help us with another happy home.

Before:

During:
After: